Vinyl pressings
by Gil Scott-Heron · 1984
The Best Of was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 5 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
DM 206618 A-1 / 84 S 11Side A runout, stamped
DM 206618 B-1 / 84 S 11Side B runout, stamped
DM 206618 A-1 / 84 S 11 II (etched II)Side A runout, stamped
DM 206618 B-2 / 85 S IISide B runout, stamped
DM 206618 A-1 / 84 S 11Side A runout, stamped
DM 206618 B-1 / 84 S 11Side B runout, stamped
DM 206 618 ASide A label
DM 206 618 BSide B label
DM 206618 A-1 / 84 S 11Side A runout, stamped
DM 206618 B-1 / 84 S 11Side B runout, stamped
S 206 618 ASide A label
S 206 618 BSide B label
AL⸱8⸱8248⸱SA-3 MASTERDISK HW ƐmwRunout A
AL⸱8⸱8248⸱SB-3 MASTERDISK HW ƐmwRunout B
AL-8-8248-SA-1 MASTERDISK HW I A1Side A runout
AL-8-8248-SB-1 MASTERDISK HW I A1Side B runout
ALB6 8306 A1 CRSide 1 runouts
ALB6 8306 B1 CRSide 2 runouts
ALB6-8306-ASide 1 label
ALB6-8306-BSide 2 label
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Canada | Arista ALB6-8306First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1984 | Canada | Arista AL 8 8248 / Arista AL8-8248First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1984 | Europe | Arista 206 618First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1984 | Europe | Arista 206 618First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1984 | Europe | Arista 206 618First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1984 | New Zealand | Arista L 38290 / Arista AL 8-8248First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1984 | South Africa | Arista ASTC 165 / Priority Records ASTC 165First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1984 | US | Arista AL8-8248First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1984 | US | Arista AL 8-8248First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1985 | UK | Arista 206 618LP, Compilation, Repress | LP, Compilation, Repress |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Europe | Arista 206 618LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | US | Arista ALB6-8306LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
12 vinyl pressings of The Best Of are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1984 and 1985.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in Europe, US, Canada, New Zealand and more. One of them is Arista 206 618.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 206 618, AL8-8248, AL 8-8248, ALB6-8306) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, DM 206618 A-1 / 84 S 11 and DM 206618 B-1 / 84 S 11. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
